Does Car Insurance Cover Rain Damage?

You know how it is in Saudi Arabia – hardly any rain. But when it rains, it POURS! Saudi has seen some serious flooding lately, with videos popping up everywhere of cars getting waterlogged and even washed away. Now that the waters are receding, a lot of people are wondering if their car insurance will cover the rain damage. The answer: It depends on your insurance coverage. Typically, a comprehensive car insurance policy will cover all repair costs related to natural disasters. On the other hand, other policies won’t cover the damage.

Here is all you need to know about rain damage and car insurance.

Will my car insurance cover the rain damage?

In 2018, the Saudi Central Bank instructed all insurance companies to give insurance coverage against natural disasters —including rain and floods— for cars that have comprehensive insurance. Accordingly, comprehensive insurance policyholders are eligible to claim compensation from insurance companies.

On the whole, comprehensive insurance pays for the damage done to your car. It includes protection from weather-related damage, like lightning and hail storms.

Things to know about rain damage insurance

What does Natural Disasters coverage include?

1. Falling Objects — Comprehensive insurance will pay for damages if, say, high winds caused tree branches to fall on your car and cracked your windshield.
2. Car–Collsion Damage— If the rainwater sweeps away your car causing it to ram into other cars, comprehensive insurance could also take care of it.
3. Rain Damage — Natural Disasters coverage on your comprehensive insurance policy can cover water damage related to rain, flooding, and hail.
4. Accidental damage while driving — Heavy rain is a major cause of accidents. Undoubtedly, drivers can lose control of their cars due to hydroplaning and impaired visibility. If you are involved in an accident, comprehensive insurance could cover the damages to your car as well as others.

How to file a car insurance claim after rain damage

For people with comprehensive insurance:

1. Contact Najm to prepare a report first.
2. You will also need a report from Taqdeer (or a certified center) to assess the damage.
3. Once you get your reports, you can file a claim with your car insurance company for compensation.

Got rented car? Here’s how to get help:

• Contact your leasing bank/ company: If you have a rented car that got damaged in the rain, contact your leasing bank/ company first. They will handle the claim process and get your car repaired or compensated for.

For people with Third-party insurance, or no insurance:

• File a claim online: The Saudi Civil Defense has launched a user-friendly website to handle rain damage claims for vehicles with third-party insurance or uninsured vehicles. Simply visit 998.gov.sa website and submit your request with the following documents:
  • A copy of your national ID/ Iqama
  • A copy of your car registration (istimara)
  • Address details: Specify the location where your car was damaged
  • Contact phone numbers

Preparing your car for a rainy day

• Park your car in a safe place; to ensure the best protection and minimize damage, it is best to park the car in a garage indoors.
• If it is not possible to park it indoors, consider parking your car on higher ground, away from trees or lampposts.
• Don’t forget to close the sunroof and all car windows.
• Do not leave any of your valuables inside the car.
• Abide by the Civil Defense Civil Defense instructions announced through the various media platforms. Don’t go outside unless necessary, as floods can easily wash away or damage your car.
• Review the car insurance policy and make sure of what it covers and what it excludes.

Enjoy the best protection & buy comprehensive insurance!

All in all, comprehensive insurance may not be legally binding in Saudi Arabia — unless you rent your car! But it is definitely the best type of auto insurance; Because it is the only insurance that includes coverage for damages to your car itself, including natural damage such as torrential rain and hail.

Surely, the best way to buy comprehensive insurance is to compare prices between several insurance companies licensed in Saudi Arabia first. After obtaining offers and quotations from them, make sure of the provisions and coverages of each policy; This way you will find the best insurance options for your needs.